Why Do Young Adults Start Smoking?

Considering all we know about cigarettes and their scary health effects, why would anyone start smoking them? While it’s impossible to pinpoint a single reason for why any one person begins, a new study identifies three risk factors for taking up the habit.

The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Montreal School of Public Health, suggests that for people between the ages of 18 and 24, the three biggest risk factors for starting smoking are being impulsive, using alcohol regularly, and getting poor grades in school.

The research, published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, is based on data from 1,293 teens from the greater Montreal area who were part of the Nicotine Dependence in Teens study that started in 1999. The teens were followed up in 22 “cycles,” from when they were at an average age of 12.7 to when they were at an average age of 24.

By cycle 22, 75 percent of the teens had tried smoking. Forty-four percent of the teens started smoking before entering high school, 43 percent started during high school, and 14 percent started sometime in the six years post-high school.

Not all those who tried cigarettes continued to smoke, but researchers found that impulsivity, poor grades and regular alcohol use were the three risk factors associated with those who began smoking after high school — or when they were between ages 18 and 24.

Study researcher Jennifer O’Loughlin, a professor at the university, speculated in a statement that one potential reason impulsivity may play a role in smoking in young adulthood is because “parents of impulsive children exercise tighter control when they are living with them at home to protect their children from adopting behaviors thatcan lead to smoking, and this protection may diminish over time.”

Alcohol consumption could also be linked with starting smoking because alcohol “reduces inhibitions and self-control,” she added in the statement.

O’Loughlin noted that the findings suggest smoking prevention programs shouldn’t just target teens, but young adults also. “The predictors of initiation in young adults may provide direction for relevant preventive interventions,” she and co-authors wrote in the study.

Related Questions

Q: I ordered a bottle of CIGA-QUIT (ANTI-SMOKING) FORMULA. I need to know, if not doing the detox, will they still help you to quit smoking? How long will it take, for it to start working, and do I stop smoking all at once or gradually?

Q: I'm 17 years of age and go to a boarding high school in Florida. I just moved here from L.A. Over the summer. I've always been passionate about picking up valuable information that is not taught in schools. Even though I've always gotten good grades in all classes, I have always had a dislike for school. I feel like it is trapping me, because I have very little time to study topics that are truly beneficial such as law, herbs, history and many other topics. I just wanted to give you a brief background image of me; bottom line is this... I want to be part of what you are doing. I know you probably have so many positions filled. And I've never been materialistic and never liked school, but I also understand that if I want to get out in the world on my own right now I need to have a situation where I can make a sufficient amount of money to support myself. So I'm just letting you know I'm very passionate about helping people heal themselves and I would be very committed to what you are trying to accomplish in terms of healing people mentally and physically. I feel so thankful because most people don't get the opportunity to come across TRUE herbalism, TRU history, TRUE law, etc, until they are deep into adulthood, if ever. And I feel like I must fulfill my opportunity starting NOW. Because if I don't, I would be failing the mission I was incarnated here to do. Peace

A:

Greetings, Beloved! You have recognized at a very young age that school is a waste of time as measured against the subjects of your heart. Make the time to study the topics of your interest. It's
well worth it, Beloved! I did it for many years of my life and when I was out of school and got into knowledge, I spent almost whole days studying the interests of my desires which has led me to the
life I am now living. I'm glad I followed my heart. In regards to Dherbs, unfortunately Beloved, I am an Inter-net company only and thus have no positions available. What is your zodiac sign? Maybe
we can help you to find work that is suitable to your interests. Your 10th House explains the area's best for you work-wise. Hey, thanks for reaching out, Beloved! One day I would like to employ
thousands of people. If you ever want to talk or need advice, give me a call!

Q: I have been a heavy smoker for eight years and I recently felt the cigarettes start taking a toll on me. Three weeks ago I started having this irritating throat ache, so I starting skipping a few cigarettes. The more smokes I skipped the more I felt my throat getting better. Shortly after I started back smoking heavily again I experienced bronchitis/pneumonia symptoms. Such as Fevers, Soar and swollen throat, congestion, wet coughs, loss of appetite, and a few other symptoms. I immediately stopped smoking. Itâ€™s been 6 days now and my symptoms have decreased, but I am getting these nasty night sweats. I am waking up at least 4 or five times a night drenched in sweat. I feel it could be a number of things causing the night sweats such as nicotine withdrawals, my body's immune system going to work and sweating out toxins, and a number of other reasons. I would like to hear your expert opinion on why you think I am experiencing these sweat episodes, that sometimes happened in the day too. Also I took one capsule of Super Milk Thistle 3 days ago.

Q: First off, I want to say that I am TRULY grateful for the work that you are doing. Words cannot convey my sincere gratitude. I will continue to tell my loved ones about the wonderful products, services, and information that you provide. I read your article on ADD/ADHD and was deeply saddened by the harm that is being done to our children. A very dear friend of mine has an 11 year old son that was diagnosed and is currently on medication for this so called condition. I have a 5 year old daughter who just started kindergarten. My daughter is HIGHLY sensitive and gets her feelings hurt very easily. She had two melt downs in class the first week of school. When she was 3 years old, a psychiatrist who was observing her behavior, told me that she thought she may be ADD/ADHD but I did not receive it. My question is how do we, as parents, who are still working in the matrix, educate our children. As a single mom, I do not currently possess the luxury to home-school my daughter and at the same time, I am not pleased with the public school (fool) system, or even private school that still follows the same guidelines and curriculum. Any suggestions?

A:

You EDUCATE your children by living TRUTH, being the example of righteous living, personal responsibility, personal accountability, integrity, morals, ethics, etc. BE ABOUT IT! Children learn by
watching and then emulating! LIVE IT! The examples from home are stronger than what's learned at school and your child admires you more than any other person. Thank you kindly for your words which
are greatly appreciated, Beloved. Thank you so much!

Q: My son is on Concerta 36 mg for ADHD. He was on 56 mg, but I asked that it be lowered because it was taking away from his personality. I did something that I said I'd never do and that was let them medicate him. He started running back and forth which he is not aware of. Doctors say this is a tick. I'm not sure what it is. His behavior started to escalate in the 2nd grade. They were calling me up to the school every other day. Funny thing is that when I would go to the school other teachers would congratulate me on my sons National test scores in reading. His behavior eventually landed him in a special needs school. My cousin whom worked in the system advised me not to let them place him there. I felt like my hands were tied. I don't have the income to place him in a private school. How can I wean him off of this Concerta drug? What can I use in it's place because he is active, and impulsive at times. I came upon this site from the Micheal Baisden site. I put ADHD in your search window and was blown away by what you said. Wow!

A:

Glad you found Dherbs.Com! Start giving him ACTIVATED CHARCOAL (mixed well in water). Read our article on â€BENEFITS OF CARBON A/K/A ACTIVATED CHARCOALâ€ ! Carbon will remove the drug from his body. Give him
NERVES TEA (2-3 times per day)!!!! You can sweeten it with maple syrup or agave nectar. Nothing's wrong with the child! Something's
wrong with the System (school system)! Period!

Q: Thank you. I read the article on the ear and the following quote 'At Dherbs.Com we manufacturer and offer a very effective therapeutic healing ear oil that contains herbs, essential oils, and crystals and which can be used by infants, toddlers, young children, teens, adults, and elders alike.' Can you please give me the name of this oil?

Q: My husband has been told he has prostate Cancer he has since then stop smoking and has two more days on his Detoxing pills, once he finish this process what should he do in regards to his condition? Is there anything he can take he is in stage 2 and it has not spread to his bones or other parts of his body.

Q: I just sent you an email yesterday regarding my husband, but I am sending this one because I have read through a lot of your articles and one thing that I didn't see was your outlook about smoking weed. How do you feel about smoking weed? I mean isn't it suppose to be an herb and if it is smoked through a bong as oppose to blunt paper isn't weed healthy? Please forgive my ignorance.

A:

Please read our article THE BLUNT FACTS OF MARIJUANA. The substance is banned by your government so why take the
risk? Why not just meditate or work with crystals or yoga? No herb should be smoked. You're putting fire to it, which changes the molecular structure of the thing being burned.

Q: I recommend this site to all because it has helped me in so many ways, that I was hoping it may be of help to my 11 year old niece. She is really shy towards others, even at school. To the point where last year, it started affecting her school work. Because, at school you have to interact with others, as well as participate in class. At home with family she's active, sociable, and lot's of fun. When she gets around others she shuts down, believe it or not. I was talking with her mother, my sister and she realized that we was that same way aswell growing up. I don't want her to go through life like that, if there is a way to help her. My sister mentioned pills. Since I have found your site there is no way that I'll have her popping man made pills, when there are herbs that are safe. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. I know they have tea I saw for adults (Stress/Anxiety), but for kids I wasn't sure. I need something that will definately work. Thanks for all you do, and look forward to hearing from you.

A:

It's probably just a personality thing. However, it's not a sickness. It's more astrological, and personal essence than anything. I would suggest that the child have its natal chart and numerology
chart done. Everything about the child is written "In the Wheel."

Q: My husband has lung cancer which has spread to his bones he is currently on chemo treatment. He has a lot of pain in his left leg and takes the strongest pain killers for it, his feet swell, he has neuropathy, and he is still smoking. The doctors are not very hopeful. We went for acupunture to maybe help him stop smoking just yesterday. Is there some help or advice you can offer us?

Q: I was online searching for some natural treatments for hair growth in Black Men when I came across your article. I must say that I believe it was so on point that I decided not to look any further. I'm 44 years of age and started noticing my hair thinning when about 12 years ago. I was one of those that you wrote about in your article chasing a lifestyle that is no longer an interest to me. I did fall into some bad habits that were not good for my health off and on over the past 15 years or so more off than on. My body type I would describe as athletic. I'm tone, and strong when I exercise regularly. I'm about 150lbs @ 5'11". My diet is mostly vegetables but from time to time I feel I have to eat fish or chicken. Not necessarily prepared in the healthiest way I'm sure. I just got out of one of my "on" spells so to speak. Meaning the drinking of beer and cigarettes. I've been smoking and drinking beer now since September 2006 after not having done anything but live healthy for six years before that. As soon as my wife and I came back to the states and started working and runnign again these old destructive habits appeared again in my life. I only blame myself though. Right now my hair and skin suffer from the chemical poisoning from the habits that I just mentioned. I am prepared to take your advice about righteous living to heart and start fresh again. Is there a mild remedy that can work with me to stimulate the re-growth of my hair in the spots where it is balding in that classic balding pattern? I am generally very healthy when I doing right and even now rarely get sick. But my sickness manifest in stress and bad habits to num the pain of having to live this way when don't really want to. I quit the job that I've been working for the past 4 years for that reason and have been blessed to have some time not to grind everyday chasing after money. Now is a crucial time of healing for me, and I must take full advantage of the time. Moderation is in order for whatever you can suggest for me in the way of herbal remedies. I am sure that you can prescribe a simple overall regiment for my overall health based on what I have shared with you with an emphasis on the hair and skin. Again, thank you for writing the article. Call or write. The sooner the better.......Thank You!!

A:

I would say first detox with the FULL BODY DETOX and get your diet right CONSISTENTLY! Constantly clean your temple! This is key!
Next, perform the TOTAL MALE CLEANSE. After this, do a daily regimen of HAIR SKIN NAILS FORMULA, ELECTRIC GREENS CELL FOOD,
KHEMETIAN GOLD, and MSM SULFUR. Forgive yourself of past
self-inflicted harm! Stop worrying about your hair loss. Start visualizing your hair growing back. If you can see it, you will achieve it! The mind is all and problems and remedies begin in the mind!
BTW: we offer phone consultations if you're interested.

Q: I have a question. My son is 16 and got him detox just 2 days ago. He hasn't started it because he cannot do with school so I told him to wait for vacation and then start because he cannot handle the food diet. anyway, we are vegetarians, and was wondering if he has bad acne, would just the blood and lymph formula work for now until we start detox to take care of his acne. I also ordered that but thought I will start after the detox and he wants to clear his face sooner and detox with diet is impossible at that age and being in school unless he does not follow the diet? What do you think? Can you let me know? Please thanks.

Q: At age 15 I started getting cysts in my sweat glands (under arms, under breasts, groin area). Doctors treated me with antibiotics and creams over the years... it left so much scar tissue...Around age 23 I had my sweat glands removed and at that time I was diagnosed with HS (Hydra denitus supporativa)... the problem went away for about a year, and eventually moved to another place (the groin).. seems to flare up monthly during my menstrual cycle.. Since then, I was diagnosed with kidney disease, I am a dialysis patient with High blood pressure, high cholesterol.. I am on at least 6 medications to regulate my blood pressure, cholesterol, potassium, and phosphorous levels.. Due to all these changes, my libido is extremely low and almost nonexistent.. I have a hard time achieving a climax with my partner...I am married with 3 young children... I've considered weight loss surgery as a way to finally get my weight under control as it has been a huge issue for the last 10 years. What can you recommend that I can take to detox and cleanse myself of all my health issues?? Is there really anything out there to help my situation??

Products can help but the issue of smoking is "discipline." Only then you can stop smoking. I would suggest you perform the FULL BODY DETOX for starters and then give our new SUBSTANCE ABUSE CLEANSE a try (it should be out next month, October 2008).

Q: What would be recommended if I need to quit smoking and lose weight?

A:

You should detoxify your body with the Full Body Cleanse and then use Smoke-Less Formula for daily maintenance that helps to reduce cravings and combat your body’s dependency on nicotine once you complete the cleanse.